Page 53 of His Christmas Gift

Dean frowned as he turned to look at me over his shoulder, looking concerned.

“What’s wrong?” he asked me.

“I think I just ate too much,” I replied as guilt seeped through me. I felt bad about lying to him, but I just couldn’t reveal the truth to him right now. I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t ready for any of this, but I had no choice but to face it. I couldn’t run away from this.

“I can come with you,” Dean offered, still seeming worried for me.

It touched me that he cared. He could be really caring. He would be a good father, but I wasn’t sure if he would be around for our child. I couldn’t force him. I wanted him to be around because he wanted to, and I wanted him to fall for me for real instead of it just being an act.

“No, enjoy the party with your family,” I said, forcing a smile onto my face. I wanted him to spend tonight with his family instead of fawning over me. Right now, I needed to be alone. “I’ll see you later tonight.”

Dean held my gaze before nodding and smiling back. He then reached into his pocket and handed me the keys to the rental car.

“Take the car. I’ll have one of my brothers drop me off at the hotel,” he told me.

I took the keys and nodded before telling everyone goodbye and leaving the house.

I didn’t expect my Christmas Eve to turn out like this, but this entire holiday turned out to be the surprise of my life.

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